I stood silently at the top of the stairs watching down on the two men with curiosity burning behind my eyes. Hannibal's new patient, an interesting man named Will Graham walked around the room, pacing back and forth – it was clear that he would rather be anywhere else.
I was unsure whether he had noticed me until he turned and looked me in the eye, "And are you going to be watching over proceedings?" he asked sarcastically.
"If you wish me to leave, I shall"
"Oh no, not at all – I was just curious as to why we had an audience"
I smirked, about to reply when Hannibal spoke up instead "I feel that it is sometimes useful to have a second opinion. Of course, if you are uncomfortable-"
"No, it's fine. I'd just prefer if I were being observed on equal level – I feel like there's a target on my back" Will turned to me as he spoke, not breaking our eye contact. I felt his eyes remain on me as I turned and descended down to ground level. I smoothed my suit skirt before turning to the two men.
I crossed the room and extended a hand to Will Graham, "Ms Lecter" It wasn't that I was Hannibal's wife, sister, daughter or any other kind of blood relative – but ever since he had taken me into his care, I had happily adopted his surname.
"Will Graham"
"Pleasure to meet you Mr Graham"
"Please, just Will"
I nodded, exchanging the same sentiment, "Please, have a seat"
"No," he was still unsure, out of his depth in this room with Hannibal and I; perhaps he was aware that we three stood on equal ground, "I think I'll just stand"
"Whichever you are more comfortable with" I smiled, "I'll let you get on with your appointment" I nodded and strolled to Hannibal's desk, sitting to look over the sketches he had left there. Some were of architecture, other of animals, but most were of me; drawn precisely from memory – they were beautifully intimate and I knew of course they had been left there specifically for me to see. Hannibal had no shame in his nude sketches of me, but I was far more humble, the pictures bringing the blood to my cheeks. I stacked the drawings with my portraits at the bottom, gazing down at the desk and listening into the conversation.
As I listened, slowly I found myself staring up at the psychologist and his new patient, becoming intrigued by the things Will Graham was saying. He didn't speak with the arrogance of other FBI agents I had encountered; but he was sharp, intelligent and quick witted. I admired his grim sense of humour, the way in which he retorted to Hannibal's questions with such frank sarcasm – I admired his bravery; though I could see right through his mask.
Eventually time came for Will Graham to leave. I stood and returned automatically to my place by Hannibal's side, offering Will Graham a kind smile. "Goodbye Will" Hannibal said.
Will nodded, but had no verbal reply for him.
"Until next time, Will Graham"
Will smirked at me, looking me up and down before, with a quick glance at Hannibal, he smiled fully; "Until next time"
I felt Hannibal's hand on my waist, drawing me closer to his side, "I trust you can find your way out" he said to Will.
"Yes" with a nod to Hannibal and a smile to me, he left. We heard the front door open and close again, before Hannibal interlaced his fingers with mine. He pulled me close, breathing down my neck. He pressed a kiss to my collar bone, "What was that about?"
I stared forward blankly, "I don't you what you're talking about"
He sighed with restraint, "What do you think of Will Graham?"
"He's interesting" I smiled.
"Interesting…? He is damaged"
"But not beyond the point that he cannot be repaired. He's different; he has a particular character that… fascinates me"
Hannibal paused, wrapping his arms tightly around me he whispered, "Does he fascinate you more than I?"
I turned in his arms, my hands resting on his shoulder "You are not comparable with Will Graham, Hannibal." I stretched up on my toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. With sudden ferocity he captured my lips, pressing me forcefully to him.
He leant back, just a fraction of an inch, with a half growl he said, "Good."